Cutting Edge Technology In Modern Dentistry

In just two decades, we’ve made great advances in how dental clinics operate on teeth, as well as the products used on them.

Even if you have a morbid fear of the dentist, this fear can be managed when you put things into perspective. Compare what a dental procedure would look like in, say, the 1800s vs today with the following technology, products, and procedures.

Digital X-Ray Diagnostics

Modern digital x-rays for dentistry have greatly reduced amounts of radiation, making them safer for you and the environment.

Imaging is also clearer and faster with this technology – the results can be emailed to you right away.

Laser Dentistry

It might sound brand new – even futuristic – but laser dentistry has actually been around for a long time.

In short: a laser “drill” focuses a beam of light onto a tooth, heating up the particles within it in order to break it down.

This is great for a wide variety of dental procedures like shaping a tooth for a crown, clearing away dead and decaying tooth material, cleaning up an area where a cavity needs to be filled, etc.

What’s even better is that laser dentistry involves a lot less discomfort than a conventional drill; much of the pain one feels during a dental procedure is from the grinding pressure of the drill. With laser dentistry, this isn’t a factor.

Laser dental technology can also be used on soft tissue, helping treat:

• Gum disease
• Cold sores
• Overgrown gums

CEREC Same Day Crowns

Conventional crowns are a 2-appointment procedure; the tooth is shaved down and a temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is being created, later to replace the temporary one.

Today, with CAD/CAM and 3D milling or printing, getting a crown can be done in a single appointment.

This is not only more convenient, but it also eliminates the chance of a temporary crown falling off before your permanent crown is ready to be installed – something that occurs more often than you might think.

Resin Fillings

Silver fillings are quickly being replaced with resin-based fillings for a number of reasons.

• Silver fillings contain a large amount of mercury – a toxic heavy metal. In fact, the term “silver filling” is deceptive as silver fillings are an amalgam of silver, copper, tin, but are mostly mercury.
• Silver fillings have no adhesive quality – they have to be forced into place. ● Silver fillings consistently release small amounts of mercury vapor, which can lead to both physical and mental-emotional problems.

Resin fillings, on the other hand, are naturally adhesive, biocompatible, and more aesthetically appealing (they look and feel just like natural teeth).

Comfortable & Relaxing Atmospheres

More and more dentists are taking measures to calm people’s anxiety about dental procedures.

While it’s normal to have some level of anxiety before a dental appointment, some people experience it more intensely than others.

This is why many dental clinics are offering spa-like amenities, a carefully crafted atmosphere, and other things meant to make your appointment as relaxing and stress-free as possible.